The Dodge Hornet opens the door to electrification in Dodge: a plug-in hybrid SUV cousin of the Alfa Romeo Tonale

Dodge begins a new era with the arrival of its first electrified car in the form of a plug-in hybrid : the Dodge Hornet, which finally sees the light and in the fashion segment, that of SUVs.

It is the American cousin of the Alfa Romeo Tonale, with which it shares a platform, and is manufactured in the same Neapolitan plant as the Italian SUV, in Pomigliano d'Arco.

The arrival of this variant on the US market is not expected until the spring of 2023, as the door is opened by its thermal GT gasoline variant that will be launched later this year.

This Hornet is the first stone on the road to electrification for Dodge, as an electrified muscle car is also on the roadmap, which is expected by 2024. The Hornet PHEV is one of the great protagonists of the barrage of Dodge news that it is having place this week.

This is Dodge's first plug-in hybrid

The plug-in hybrid Dodge Hornet is the R/T PHEV and shares mechanics with the Alfa Romeo Tonale. Thus, on the menu we have a 1.3 MultiAir turbo petrol engine that joins forces with an electric one of 90 kW (122 CV) that is housed in the rear axle.

Together they add 285 hp , being slightly more powerful than the Tonale, and 519 Nm of torque. It is also all-wheel drive and is managed by the same six-speed automatic gearbox. The 0-100 also does it in 6.2 seconds.

This Hornet PHEV boasts an electric range of 48 km , somewhat less than the Italian that promises 60 km. The battery is also 15.5 kWh and promises to charge in two and a half hours on a home charger.

In addition, this first electrified Dodge boasts systems such as PowerShot, which occasionally offers an additional 25 hp , and enjoys specific driving modes for the electrified system: hybrid (combines thermal with electric), electric (only the electric drive operates ) and E-Save (preserves battery power).

But the Dodge Hornet R/T PHEV also enjoys performance-focused garnishes, such as Brembo four-piston sport brakes, electronic differential with torque vectoring or frequency-selective damping.

The Hornet range is completed with the GT variant , which is thermal and also all-wheel drive. It mounts the propellant of the house Hurricane4, of four cylinders turbo and 2.0 liters that offers 265 CV and 400 Nm . It is managed with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Both hearts are combined with a more aggressive aesthetic when compared to the Tonale, seeking to capture the DNA of Dodge. Thus, we find, for example, a hood with more nerves and crowned by two ventilation openings or a more imposing front with a concise grill that is combined with generous air intakes.

Con Alexa de assistante e interior digital

The Dodge Hornet is loaded with technology at the service of connectivity and driving assistance. And as fashion dictates, the screens rule inside: the same ones that the Alfa Romeo Tonale welcomes.

It has 12.3-inch digital instrumentation in combination with the 10.25-inch multimedia display. Similarly, the Uconnect 5 infotainment system is present, with wireless connection for Android and Apple CarPlay.

This multimedia system also has Alexa as an assistant , allowing remote actions to be carried out from the car on those devices that are connected at home. Also enjoy OTA updates.

As for assistance systems , as standard, all Dodge Hornet mount automatic emergency braking, assistant for involuntary lane departure, blind spot detector or obstacle detector at the exit of the parking lot.

And optionally, other functions such as intelligent adaptive cruise control, traffic sign detector, automatic lane guidance or traffic jam assistant are integrated into a package.

Among the standard benefits we find the warning system for the rear seats when the front door is opened, keyless entry or lights and automatic windshield wipers or leather upholstery.

Optional are the heated steering wheel and seats, the hands-free opening of the tailgate, Alcantara upholstery, wireless charging for mobile devices or the Haman Kardon premium audio system with 14 speakers and 465 watts.